About the Wonder Wheel in Coney Island\rbr\rbrThe Wonder Wheel stands out as unique in the history of the modern pleasure wheel. Invented by Charles Hermann and built in 1918-1920 by the Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company using 100 Bethlehem Steel forged right on the premises, the Wheel opened on Memorial Day in 1920.\rbr\rbrThe WONDER WHEEL was initially called the Dip-the-Dip by its inventor, who promised to combine the thrill of a scenic railway, Ferris wheel and Chute-the-Chutes. An article in Science and Invention described the new ride as a real thrill like you have probably never had before—at least not at this great height!\rbr\rbrStanding 150 feet tall -- the equivalent of a 15-story building -- and weighing 200 tons, the WONDER WHEEL has 24 cars, of which 16 are swinging and 8 are stationary. The swinging cars slide on a serpentine track towards the hub of the Wheel, and as the Wheel turns they slide towards the circumference. Each car holds 6 people for a total ride capacity of 144.\rbr\rbrThe WONDER WHEEL has maintained a perfect safety record for its entire history. The 18 original co-owners of the Wheel worked as construction men to insure quality throughout the building process. Each year, the entire 400,000 lb. ride is overhauled and painted to protect it from the elements of weather, wear, and tear. \rbr\rbrFor more info visit \rbr\rbrVIEW MORE AT\rbr\rbrDONT MISS THE FUN FILLED ADVENTURE.